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“High leak” on a CPAP machine: what it means

A leak message means more air is escaping than the machine expects: round the edge of the mask, at a loose tube, or at the water tub. Makers word it differently and some sound a tone. What each one says, and the first thing each tells you to check.

Therapy settings: This page explains what a CPAP machine’s screen or light is telling you, in the maker’s words. It is not medical advice: ask your equipment provider or clinician about your therapy settings, and do not change your pressure or any prescribed setting because of anything here.

ResMed

  1. ResMed AirSense 10 Words on the screen

    High leak detected, connect your tubing

    ResMed gives two possible causes: the air tubing may not be connected properly, or the mask may be fitted incorrectly.

    What ResMed says to do

    1. Make sure the air tubing is firmly connected at both ends.
    2. Make sure the mask is fitted correctly: see the mask’s own user guide, or use the Mask Fit function to check the fit and seal.

    Source: AirSense 10 user guide (AirSense 10 AutoSet, AutoSet for Her, Elite and CPAP, with HumidAir) (ResMed, 378947/1, 2021-02), checked 2026-09-29.

  2. ResMed AirSense 10 Words on the screen

    High leak detected, check your water tub, tub seal or side cover

    The leak is at the humidifier, not the mask: the water tub may not be inserted properly, or the seal inside its lid may not be in place.

    What ResMed says to do

    1. Make sure the water tub is correctly inserted.
    2. Open the water tub and make sure the seal is correctly inserted.

    Source: AirSense 10 user guide (AirSense 10 AutoSet, AutoSet for Her, Elite and CPAP, with HumidAir) (ResMed, 378947/1, 2021-02), checked 2026-09-29.

  3. ResMed AirMini Something the machine does

    Therapy stops by itself (high leak with SmartStop on)

    ResMed lists “My therapy has stopped” with two causes: the air tubing may be disconnected, or there may be a high leak while SmartStop is enabled (SmartStop ends therapy when it senses the mask has come off). The AirMini has no screen to show a leak message.

    What ResMed says to do

    1. Make sure the air tubing is properly connected, then press Start/Stop to continue therapy.
    2. Make sure the mask is fitted correctly.

    The guide also names a SmartStop setting change; that is a question for your equipment provider.

    Source: AirMini user guide (ResMed, 388135/1, 2020-03), checked 2026-09-29.

Everything else ResMed’s machines show: ResMed CPAP icons and messages.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

  1. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare SleepStyle A morning summary screen

    MASK LEAK: HIGH

    One of the therapy-data screens under My Data. In Day view it says whether the leak from your mask last night was NORMAL or HIGH; Week and Month views give the same verdict as an average over the last 7 or 30 days.

    What Fisher & Paykel Healthcare says to do

    1. F&P’s troubleshooting table says a mask that is not fitted correctly causes leaks: check the fit against the mask’s own instructions, or contact your healthcare provider.

    Source: F&P SleepStyle Use and Care Guide (SleepStyle Auto, SleepStyle CPAP) (Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Use and Care Guide, English section A), checked 2026-09-29.

Everything else Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s machines show: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare CPAP icons and messages.

React Health

  1. React Health Luna G3 Words on the screen

    Leak!!

    An audible alert while air is flowing: the machine has measured an excessive air leak rate and shows “Leak!!” on the screen.

    React Health’s alert table describes this alert but gives no step for it. Its troubleshooting table links leaks to a mask of the wrong size or model, or one not positioned correctly, and says to contact your home care provider for an appropriate mask.

    Source: Luna G3 APAP / Luna G3 CPAP User Manual (React Health, V1.7, issue date February 29, 2024), checked 2026-09-29.

Everything else React Health’s machines show: React Health CPAP icons and messages.

Other things a CPAP machine shows

Sources

Each maker’s own user guide only, read on the date shown. Nothing here comes from third-party CPAP forums or “error code” sites.

Find any icon, message or light on your machine →